Seamless network interface selection, handoff and management in multi-IP network interface mobile devices

Abstract

A Multi-Interface Mobility Management (MIMM) client is provided on a mobile Multi-Interface Device (MID) to support seamless network connectivity and switching of the MID. The MIMM client communicates with a MIMM Server. The MIMM Server collects information from MIMM Clients and provides information to the MIMM Clients pertaining to the network(s) to which the mobile MID has access, such as information concerning the availability of a network, the quality of network connectivity, etc. The MIMM Client is responsible for determining whether and when a handoff or roaming operation should be initiated by the mobile MID, and which network interface the mobile MID should use after the handoff / roam operation has been completed. The MIMM Client also is responsible for performing mobility-related functions that are required prior and subsequent to the handoff / roam operation. The MIMM Client uses the information received from the MIMM Server in order to make these determinations.

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present application relates generally to wireless networking, and more particularly to systems and methods for supporting the use of mobile devices having multiple heterogeneous network access interfaces, whereby such mobile devices may connect to different wireless networks and / or make use of various network access technologies. [0003] 2. General Background Discussion [0004] Internet Protocol [0005] IP is a connectionless protocol. The connection between end points during a communication is not continuous. When a user sends or receives data or messages, the data or messages are divided into components known as packets. Every packet is treated as an independent unit of data. [0006] In order to standardize the transmission between points over the Internet or the like networks, an OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model was established. The OSI model separates the communications processes between two points in a network into seve...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0040] The above and / or other aspects, features and / or advantages of various embodiments will be further appreciated in view of the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Various embodiments can include and / or exclude different aspects, features and / or advantages where applicable. In addition, various embodiments can combine one or more aspect or feature of other embodiments where applicable. The descriptions of aspects, features and / or advantages of particular embodiments should not be construed as limiting other embodiments or the claims.

Problems solved by technology

Otherwise, routing protocols would not be able to deliver the packets properly.

However, there exists a multitude of technical issues involved in supporting such multi-interface mobile devices that cannot be readily solved using known solutions.

However, the network interfaces of a MID are randomly active and inactive as the mobile device is moving over a geographic region, such that it may be difficult to switch between interfaces quickly.

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